Glen Hansard

Actor/composer, 'Once'

If the indie movie “Once” can trace its phenomenon status to one moment, it’s when the guitar-playing Hansard sits down alongside pianist Marketa Irglova to tease out “Falling Slowly,” the swelling ballad composed onscreen by his character — and in reality, by Hansard (longtime lead singer for Irish band the Frames) and Irglova. Though his onscreen performance is winning, it’s Hansard’s musical creations, fully integrated with John Carney’s writing and direction, that send the movie soaring.